Puffing Billy History

The Puffing Billy Railway line has been in operation since 1900. In the early days it was used to transport people and goods between Ferntree Gully and Gembrook.

The narrow gauge railway line was used to ferry potatoes, carrots, vegetables, fruit and nursery goods grown in the lush and healthy soil of the Dandenong Mountains.

In the early 1900's saw milling became Gembrook's main industry and the little Steam Locomotive played a major role in this industry's success.

Heritage photo of the engineers and linesmen on the Puffing Billy railway line

Years later after a couple of landslides a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers assembled together to build new bridges and tracks. Melbourne now boasts this world class heritage steam train attraction, the Puffing Billy railway line.

Used by local Melbournians and Tourists alike, this is a ride for all ages to enjoy.

The Puffing Billy now runs from Belgrave all the way up the mountain to the quaint hamlet of Gembrook.

The gardens of the JAC Russell Park adjacent to the Puffing Billy Station make for a great picnic venue.

Family having fun riding the puffing billy railway line compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasrdororg/6317302661/

At each level crossing you will probably find a group of tourists and camera enthusiasts waiting to wave to you as you continue your journey up the mountain.

A fun thing to do is to pop the kids on top the train with an adult then the other party head on up to the first level crossing and wave to your kids, continue doing this till you reach the end of the tracks then on the way back down swap places.

Railway crossing at Gembrook for the Puffing Billy compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/gemsling/278765686/

Great Little Train Journeys Of The World - The Puffing Billy Railway [Region 4] - DVD

40 kms east of Melbourne and situated high up in the Dandenong Mountains you will find a relic of the steam age, Puffing Billy.

The train runs regularly between Belgrave and Gembrook, where the tracks finish.

This steam train is the only surviving track in the ranges and is now a major tourist attraction for Victorian.

Hundreds of volunteers now make sure that each engine is fully maintained as well as ensuring that the tracks are clear of debris and the all the bridges, level crossings etc are in top condition.

How To Get To The Puffing Billy Railway

If you are travelling by car along the Burwood Highway before you head up the Mountain call into the Upper Ferntree Gully Tourist Information Centre and check out the mural of the Puffing Billy Railway, meet some of our enthusiastic volunteers and pick up some brochures on everything that there is to see in the area.

Then make your way up the mountain to the Puffing Billy Station at Belgrave. Note there is a domestic terminal and also a specific terminal for Puffing Billy, just watch out for the signs.

Use the map below for directions on how to get to the Puffing Billy Station.

If you are travelling via Wellington Road towards Clematis you can turn left towards Menzies Creek or right towards Emerald Lakeside.

You are able to park near these stations and hop on board the Heritage Steam Locomotive as the train passes through these stations.

Parking for the Puffing Billy Railway Journey

At Menzies Creek free parking is available within the station grounds.

At Emerald the same applies except on the Special Thomas The Tank Days.

At Lakeside (Emerald Lake), there are council operated ticket machines.

At Gembrook the parking is free.

There is no parking at the Belgrave Puffing Billy Station however you are able to park at the Connex Trains' carpark and follow the sign-posted walkway under the main road bridge.

Public Transport And Puffing Billy

Suburban trains run quite frequently from Flinders Street (City) to Belgrave. The journey is a pleasant and comfortable 70 minute ride through the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Once you reach Belgrave all you need do is follow the signs and walk under the bridge to the Puffing Billy station platform

You may also like to break your journey at Emerald Lake (Lakeside). Enjoy the scenery, stroll the lakeside, try out the paddle boats or visit the Model Railway where you can see the train journey in miniature.

Enjoy a family picnic at the end of the track and relax in Gembrook. There are undercover BBQ facilities, a playground and Skate-Park at the top end of the township.

Another great idea is to combine a ride on the Puffing Billy and enjoy the Gembrook Market, a Handcraft market with a difference.

Held on the 4th Sunday of the month from 9:00am till 3:00pm, meet the locals and clever stall holders who make, bake or grow their own product.

Start you journey back from Gembrook on the puffing billy railway line compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamsdb/3927677841/

COMFORTABLE COACH TOURING

Another way of accessing the Puffing Billy railway is enjoying the exciting Coach Day Tour. Just sit back and enjoy being pampered. Everything is done, all you have to do is enjoy the experience.

Experience Australia's world renowned steam train, Puffing Billy as it winds its way through lush ferns and towering timbers.

Beyond the mountains discover Victoria's wine region, offering the very best in wine and cuisine.

Settled snug in the foothills of the Dandenongs is the Healesville Sanctuary where you can stroll amongst koalas, kangaroos, platypus, kookaburras, dingos and more.

Click the button below and book your tour

Board the historic Puffing Billy train ride through the Dandenongs to Menzies Creek.

This tour also includes wine tasting and lunch at Fergusson's winery, Aussie Bush Billy tea and a stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

The afternoon is spent at Healesville Sanctuary for an exclusive 'Meet and Feed' experience with an Australian animal!

Click the button below and book your tour

BEST SHORE EXCURSION EVER!

You’ll be met by your guide at Port Melbourne and driven by comfortable air-conditioned coach about one hour through the Dandenong Ranges, known for cool-climate rainforest and extensive Eucalyptus forests.

Visit the Healesville Sanctuary, one of the best places in Victoria to see and interact with native Australian wildlife.

Take a break for a typical Aussie barbecue lunch of locally sourced sausages served with a variety of toppings. Once you have enjoyed the food and hospitality, you’ll reboard your coach and head to the Puffing Billy Steam Train in Belgrave.

Click the Buy Now button for more extensive information.

The Puffing Billy Railway operates everyday of the year except Christmas Day. There are somewhere between 2 to 6 services departing from Belgrave every day.

There is one service each day that offers the option of first class carriages and a luncheon.

The Steam and Quizeine Puffing Billy luncheon train is a great way to enjoy Australia's favorite little Steam Engine and gain a unique chance to step back in time.

Visitors Favourite Things To Do In And Around The Dandenongs

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